Last updated: 12-05-24

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About me

From 2007 to 2024, I was a founding partner (‘the W’) of RBW, a popular lighting company known for minimal, sustainable products and its unique growth journey from an NYC basement. Now I’m taking what I learned co-building a celebrated contemporary design brand (and certified B Corp) and applying it to an independant path. I have deep experience as a leader, design expert and champion of mindful business practices. I currently live in New York’s Hudson Valley with my family where I am focused on design entreprenership, creative experiences, wellness practices and community involvement. I am seeking like-minded partners, investors and visionaries who share my passion for pushing the boundaries of design and business through responsible innovation and emotionally intelligent leadership. I’d love to explore collaboration opportunities. Let’s build the future, together!

Design Business Advisory Goes Live!

Dec 05, 2024

Design Business Advisory launched in 2024 to guide designer-led and design-focused businesses through the unique challenges of growth and scale. Drawing from firsthand experience as the founder of RBW, a successful lighting company, I provide insights and actionable wisdom for creative entrepreneurs. The distinct challenges designers face when stepping into business leadership roles is something I understand, and I'm here to illuminate a path from creative practice to sustainable business success. Helping design entrepreneurs build robust, scalable companies while maintaining the integrity of their creative foundations is my passion.

Visit ATWdba.com to learn more and book a free consultation.

Launch of StüdiGroup

Sept 06, 2024
After a few months of reflection and some amazing trips with my family, I’m thrilled to share a new chapter in my journey: the launch of StüdiGroup—a collaboration with my wife, Kale Williams, dedicated to inspiration, adventure and community.

The vision was to blend the beauty and creative culture of the Hudson Valley with unique outings and retreats, bringing together a diverse group of individuals for experiences that spark new ideas and foster both personal and professional growth.

Follow us on instagram to stay tuned about upcoming events.

Spring Sabbatical

May 28, 2024
The graphic designer, Stefan Sagmeister famously takes a 1 year sabbatical from his practice every 7 years, celebrating the ‘power of time off’ to rejuvenate and inspire the next chapter. I am taking advantage of this pause between my 15 years at RBW and the next big thing. And while I don’t plan on taking an entire year, I am grateful for time to reflect, enjoy my family, focus on wellness practices and travel to Mexico, Northern Ireland and Switzerland. I’m feeling very inspired and increasingly ready to engage the exciting challenge of launching my next phase!

Skills I Gained at RBW

Integrated Business Models - Design to Manufacture to Customer Solution (B2B, B2C) I am proficient in all aspects of running an SMB manufacturing business focused on spefication-grade lighting products. While my day-to-day focus was on sales, marketing, business development and leadership development, as a founding partner and senior leader of RBW I gained fundamental knowledge of all departments, roles, systems and processes within the business.

B Corp Business Practices
RBW has a legacy as an industry leader in sustainable manufacturing, employee wellbeing, community engagement, customer experience excellence and responsible leadership. I played an integral role in adopting these standards and living them each day.

Deep Knowledge and Network Within Lighting, Arch / Interiors, Hospitality and CRE Industries 15 years working closely with some of the most prestigious design firms in the world allowed me to establish a vast network and specialized knowledge of the unique needs of these industries.

Organizational and Cultural Development
I worked to help build a strong and cohesive, purpose-driven culture within RBW, was instrumental in creating its Mission, Vision and Values, and an architect of its strategic and long term planning. I also lead efforts to establish RBW’s philanthropic efforts and community engagement.

Building a Beloved Brand and Renowned Design Aesthetic Experimenting with LEDs when they were just harsh hobby store gadgets, making and selling our own products online as young design school graduates; our unique 15 year journey from NYC basement to Factory of the Future was always about taking big risks and pushing boundaries. Staying true to our pioneering spirit and collaborating with the most talented partners we could find helped us build one of the most sought after names and product lines in lighting.

Developing World Class Clients
As Director of Growth at RBW I built long term relationships with clients including WeWork, Starbucks, Panera, SweetGreen, Google, Amazon, Moxy Hotels (Marriott), AvalonBay and many more.

Select Accolades

The Wallpaper* Guide to Creative America: 300 Names to Know Now
Inc 5000 Fastest Growing US Companies
Great Place to Work
Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian National Design Awards: 6 time finalist
Forbes 30 under 30

FILE 23764—39/23

5FH/75

Copyright 2024 Alex T. Williams. All rights reserved.

Alex T. Williams

Design, Mindful Growth